10 Elementary School Math Teaching Tips
Posted by David Wetzel
Elementary Math Teaching Tips
Teaching math to elementary students is critical for establishing a foundation of success in mathematics.
There is a need for some basic memorization of facts, because students who do not memorize arithmetic functions struggle in upper grades.
However, math must be fun and interesting, along with making connections with real-world applications.
Math Teaching Tips
Problem solving, critical thinking, mental math, math games, technology, interactive websites, and more:
Asking Questions – write the word “ten” on the board. Now ask students if there is another way to express “ten.” A student may write “10,” now ask is there another way to express “10.” A second student may write “llllllllll,” now ask is there another way to express “llllllllll.” This can be continued until most possibilities are exhausted. Students are using critical problem solving skills and eagerly participate.
Collect Own Data – instead of using data for graphing from a text book or worksheet. Let them collect their own data. For example: measuring the lengths of various objects in the classroom or counting the number objects in a box placed on their desk.
Positive and Negative Integers Game – divide students in groups and give each group a deck of playing. Red numbers and face cards are negative. Black numbers and face cards are positive. Aces equal “1” and face cards are Jack “11,” Queen “12,” etc. Now then play a game similar to war by attempting to be the first in their group to reach 25. Read more…
Multiplication Challenge – have all students turn their seats to face the front of the room. Then have a student walk around the room and stand next to another student. Both students stand are asked a multiplication problem, whoever gets it correct first moves on to select another student.
Real World Geometry – take students outside and have them draw pictures of all the geometric shapes they see. Then have them share after reentering the classroom.
Weekly Word Problems – once a week begin math class with a word problem students must answer related to current concepts being studied. This is a key step in learning how to develop problem solving skills.
Interactive Math Websites – use computer learning centers for students to study math concepts using these interactive math websites, such as: Illuminations or National Library of Virtual Manipulatives .
Math WebQuests – develop your own or find some already prepared and have students work in groups to solve math problems or develop a better understanding of math concepts.
Use Math Tradebooks – use tradebooks in connection with concept being studied, such as: Anno’s Magic Seeds, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Sir Cumference, Grapes of Math, and more.
GeoBoards – use geoboards for students to design their own shapes and describe them to each other using correct geometric terminology.
Elimination of Misconceptions in Math
The math teaching tips above, when used effectively can help eliminate many misconceptions in mathematics by elementary students.
Eliminating math misconceptions is difficult and merely repeating a lesson or extra practice will not help.
Telling students were they are mistaken will not work either. Recognizing student misconceptions and immediately focusing a discussion on the misconception is important.
Providing guiding questions and hands-on approaches are the best approach. One Example is:
Geometric Shapes are not Recognized Unless Held Upright
This is typically an inadvertent misconception passed on by teachers. If geometric shapes, such as triangles or rectangles, are held in one direction all the time students will not recognize it when viewed in a different direction.
- Students can only find a diamond shape if pointed in the right direction. In reality there is no such thing as a diamond shape, it is either a square or a rhombus.
- The best ways to eliminate this misconception is to allow students to draw geometric shapes in any direction, provide examples of shapes in a variety of directions, and rearrange displays of geometric shapes to point in different directions regularly.
It is important for students be placed in situations in which they must apply what they are learning to personal experiences and situations. This helps reinforce math concepts and moves them to a level of true understanding of mathematics.
